What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of congratulazioni (congratulations), per (for), il (the) and matrimonio (marriage).
Which one should you use?
While congratulazioni per il matrimonio is a standard expression, Felicitazioni per il matrimonio serves as a more formal and slightly more old-fashioned alternative. For a very short and casual way to express the same sentiment, you can use the single word Auguri!
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
congratulazioni per il matrimonio is a complete and formal way to express the sentiment. For more formal variations, you might use Auguri per il Matrimonio or I miei migliori auguri per il vostro matrimonio (My best wishes for your wedding). In casual settings, the single word Auguri! is a very common, shorter way to say "Best wishes!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The word congratulazioni is a feminine plural noun and is almost always used in its plural form when offering well wishes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 9 syllables, and the stress is on the 5th syllable.
Did you know?
- While congratulazioni is common, Italians often use auguri for weddings because congratulazioni is traditionally reserved for an achievement earned through effort, like a degree or a promotion.
- The word auguri used in wedding congratulations comes from the Latin augurium, referring to the ancient practice of reading the flight of birds to predict the future.
- In Italy, it is a traditional custom to give bomboniere, small gifts containing sugared almonds, to guests as a way of returning the wedding congratulations.
Examples in context
- Tantissime congratulazioni per il vostro matrimonio!Many, many congratulations on your wedding!
- Ricevete le mie più sincere congratulazioni per il matrimonio.Please accept my most sincere congratulations on your wedding.
Example conversation
Chiara visits Lorenzo at his house to congratulate him and his new wife.
- ChiaraCiao Lorenzo, tantissime congratulazioni per il matrimonio!Hi Lorenzo, many many congratulations on your wedding!
- LorenzoGrazie mille, Chiara! Sei molto gentile.Thank you so much, Chiara! You are very kind.
- ChiaraSiete una coppia bellissima.You are a beautiful couple.
- LorenzoGrazie di cuore, a presto!Thank you from the bottom of my heart, see you soon!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (congratulazioni, per, il, matrimonio) and can differ in connected speech.
